{
  "id": 19031136,
  "title": "Qalo SL-1 vs. Garmin Cirqa: How these minimalist wearables compare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/qalo-sl-1-vs-garmin-cirqa-how-these-minimalist-wearables-compare",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-08T22:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2309634/qalo-sl-1-vs-garmin-cirqa-how-wearables-compare/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Both Garmin Cirqa and Qalo SL-1 are screenless fitness bands that cost around $200 each and do not require a subscription to function. The two companies launched their respective products just 10 weeks apart in 2021, with Garmin announcing the Cirqa on July 21 and Qalo releasing the SL-1 on September 29. Neither of the devices features a display, and neither requires a paid membership for use, distinguishing them from competitors like Whoop, which offers a $199 annual subscription. In terms of battery life, Qalo claims the SL-1 lasts longer than Garmin's Cirqa, while Garmin lists superior water resistance, additional activity types, and more training metrics. Garmin's device also offers an optional paid software tier that Qalo does not provide. Our tests of both wearables show that Garmin's Cirqa scored 7.4 out of 10, while Qalo's SL-1 received a 6.8 rating. Qalo sells the SL-1 for $199.95 with a black silicone strap and a charging dock, with additional straps priced at $34.95 each. Garmin lists the Cirqa at $199.99, with an optional $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annual subscription called Connect+. Both bands do not require a subscription for basic use. Qalo's SL-1 weighs 18 grams and is 10.5mm thick, while Garmin's Cirqa weighs 14.8 grams (15.7 total grams with its smaller wristband). The SL-1 is worn on the wrist, above the wrist bone, while the Cirqa uses a fabric hook-and-loop band that can also be worn on the upper arm. Garmin's Cirqa boasts a deeper water rating of 5 ATM, making it capable of withstanding pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, while Qalo's SL-1 is water-resistant to 10 meters and does not recommend scuba diving or deep-water pressure. Temperature-wise, Garmin's Cirqa operates in a range of -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while Qalo's SL-1 can handle 14 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Battery life is claimed to be 12+ days for the SL-1 and up to 10 days for the Cirqa. Garmin's band charges in up to 90 minutes using a proprietary Garmin cable, while Qalo's SL-1 charges via a magnetic dock with a USB-C cable. Both devices come with an optical heart rate sensor and can measure blood oxygen, skin temperature, heart rate variability, stress, sleep stages, and menstrual cycle tracking. Neither has built-in GPS, but the Cirqa can use a paired phone's GPS. Qalo's SL-1 offers 54 activity modes, while Garmin's Cirqa supports over 80. The Cirqa's automatic activity detection worked well during our testing, while manual recording was needed less frequently. Garmin's Connect app, while offering extensive data, lacks interpretation and can be difficult to navigate. The SL-1, on the other hand, has a simpler app focused on aggregating data. Ultimately, we recommend the Garmin Cirqa as the better choice given its comparable price point and reliable performance.",
  "summary": "The Qalo SL-1 and Garmin Cirqa were released in 2026, and both cost about $200. A comparison of these screenless wearables reveals some key differences.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}